Film Overview"12 Strong" is an exhilarating war film launched in 2018, directed by Nicolai Fuglsig. The film is based on actual occasions. It includes the very first Special Forces team released in Afghanistan following the awful 9/11 attacks on the United States.
Main PlotThe popular plot of 12 Strong focuses on a team of CIA paramilitary officers and U.S. Special Forces who are sent out to Afghanistan to help carry out the War on Terror. Reacting to the harsh terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11th, 2001, the group, code-named Task Force Dagger, is led by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth).
In a matter of weeks, Mitchell joins forces with General Abdul Rashid Dostum (Navid Negahban) of the Northern Alliance with the objective of taking down the Taliban and its Al-Qaeda allies. Amidst the rugged mountains, they fight against the Taliban, surpassed and outgunned, yet handle to record the strategic Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, a significant success in their offensive.
Character Development & RelationshipsIn addition to Hemsworth's role as Mitch Nelson, the movie's cast consists of Michael Shannon as Hal Spencer, a member of the U.S Special Forces group and close confidant of Mitch, and Michael Peña as Sam Diller, another member of the team bringing humor to the movie.
The relationships depicted in the film represent a deep bond of brotherhood among the employee navigating the treacherous battleground. This bond extends from the American soldiers to the Afghan allies they battle alongside. The movie features the team's interactions with Afghan warlords and soldiers, which add depth to the storyline and represent the complicated political and social dynamics in this war-torn country.
Production and Reception12 Strong was based on Doug Stanton's novel "Horse Soldiers", which chronicles the real Special Forces mission in Afghanistan. The movie's sensational cinematography records the rough surface of Afghanistan, contributing to its appeal amongst the audience. Nevertheless, the movie's reception was blended, with some critics praising its action sequences and top-notch cast performances, while others argued the plot was formulaic and did not have the depth required for a war drama.
End SummaryBy the time the credits roll, the soldiers of the 12-man team are hailed as heroes for their fight versus the Taliban in Afghanistan. The last scene reveals they became part of the U.S. Special Forces' mission in Afghanistan after 9/11, the success of which marked the beginning of a long-lasting war. In the end, "12 Strong" offers an engaging narrative about among the opening acts of the War on Terror, lighting up a substantial part of modern-day global history. The movie showcases the courage, strength, and brotherhood of the Special Forces, offering viewers a look into the severe conditions under which these brave soldiers needed to operate.
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